Today, we break down this week’s football slate, see what the NFL weather report and forecast for Week 15 will be, and determine if any of your fantasy football players could be impacted. As always, good luck, stay safe, and let’s win the week!
NFL Weather Report and Forecast for Saturday Week 15: Snowstorm in Buffalo
All times are Eastern, and the NFL Week 15 weather report will be updated if any changes happen from the time of writing to kickoff. The NFL weather forecast for Week 15 is based on reports from the National Weather Service. All betting lines are from the NFL’s official website.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-7), O/U 44.5 | Saturday 8:15 p.m. ET
Fantasy managers, look away. Players like Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle lead you to where you are now in the fantasy football playoffs. But I hate to be the bearer of bad news around this time of year, but you might be in for a long, cold weekend.
This is the storm front I talked about in last week’s weather report, and even mentioned this shift in the arctic was coming back in Week 13 on the long track. The cold air pushed down, which in turn caused a flurry of thunderstorms and tornadoes in the deep south. But as it moves to the northeast, we are seeing lake-effect snow once again.
It won’t be near the same extent Buffalo saw a few weeks ago when they moved the game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the conditions on Saturday remind a lot of the 2017 snow game where LeSean McCoy was the only player who seemed to get his footing.
MORE: Dolphins vs. Bills Start/Sit Advice
The Orchard Park area is expected to see over a foot of snow by 11 p.m. ET on Saturday, but that could even close in on 20 inches if the storm tracks 20 miles north or south. The area is currently under a lake-effect emergency as local officials are putting out warnings in preparation.
How much of that falls during the game is yet to be determined. Of course, it will be chilly with a night-time kickoff in December, and thanks to 10 mph winds, it will feel around 20 degrees with a 100% chance of snow.
All in all, this is the worst weather we’ve seen for an NFL game this year. Between the freezing temps, breezy conditions, and substantial snowfall, it’s a downgrade across the board for players’ floors and ceilings. We have certainly seen big games in the snow in the past, but those are outliers. If this were just rain, I’d feel way better.
When it comes to Tua, Allen, Diggs, Hill, and even Waddle, it’s unlikely that you have better options to risk sitting them, but it’s doubtful they’ll carry your team as they have in weeks past.
Although it’s only a three-game slate here on Sunday in Week 15, the weather conditions in Buffalo make it a must-watch game. I’d give just about anything to be at this game in person.
NFL Weather Report and Forecast for Week 15 Saturday Games: Worry-Free Weather
After a week full of surprises, the rest of the Week 15 Saturday slate of games should be smooth sailing as it relates to the weather forecast.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (-2.5), O/U 38.5 | Saturday 4:30 p.m. ET
Although Buffalo and Cleveland border the same body of water, the conditions on the southern side of Lake Erie will be far more pleasant. But that’s not to say it won’t feel like winter.
Of course, it will be chilly, with temperatures feeling around 25 degrees thanks to 13 mph sustained winds. Overcast skies could also drop a little bit of precipitation, but I don’t think it’ll be anything more than light flurries, as the area is only expected to see roughly half an inch during the entire day. Break that down into a three-hour window the game fits into, and I think we’ll be good to go.
MORE: Who Should I Start in Fantasy Football in Week 15?
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson will not be good to go as he is out this week. Fortunately for the Ravens, Tyler Huntley was upgraded from a limited practice on Tuesday to a full participant on Wednesday and will get the start this week after clearing concussion protocol. He’s a mid-QB2.
Yet, this is a game that will be won on the ground. J.K. Dobbins returned last week and wasted no time getting back in action. He played on 43% of the snaps while rushing 15 times for 120 yards with the score. He’ll be a solid RB2 this week against the Browns’ defense that, since Week 10, is 27th in rushing success rate, 23rd in yards per game, 28th in explosive run rate, and 29th in DVOA.
MORE: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 15
Cleveland, on the other hand, needs to get their act together, as Nick Chubb has been on a bit of a slump with only one game of 100 or more rushing yards in his last five and three sub-70-yard performances. The volume is there at 18.4 touches since their Week 9 bye, but it has yet to turn into production, as Chubb has faced some of the better run defenses over the last few weeks with games against Miami, Buffalo, and Cincinnati.
Baltimore is even more challenging. Since Week 10, they’re first in yards allowed, EPA, and DVOA. Chubb is a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in Week 15.
Saturday Indoor Games in Week 15
Because these NFL games are indoors, the weather conditions can be controlled. As such, it’ll be optimal playing conditions for these teams. The passing and kicking games will not be affected.
- Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)
O/U 47.5 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET